The North American mink (Mustella vison)

The North American mink was introduced to Britain and Europe for use in the fur trade. Escapes and misguided releases have resulted in the mink becoming widespread in these areas. In Europe, the native mink Mustela lutreola is already under threat due to competition with the introduced species. The mink is a voracious and highly effective predator and in Britain their diet includes poultry, rabbits, fish, duck, coot, moorhen, small mammals and crustaceans. In the Western Isles, the threat to wading bird colonies has resulted in the widespread culling of mink. On mainland Britain, though, it is the water vole that has been hardest hit. Below are just two of many quotes confirming the identity of the culprit responsible for the water vole population crash.

“…our results, and those of others, make it clear that mink are the major factor leading to the disappearance of water voles ….Irrespective of the pressing needs of habitat restoration, the only way to save many water vole populations on mainland Britain will be to reduce the pressure of predation by mink ….” The Mink and the Water Vole : Analyses for Conservation: David Macdonald and Rob Strachan: Environment Agency, Oxford Universty Wildlife Conservation Research Unit

“ ….water voles are particularly vulnerable to the American mink once it has colonised a waterway. The regular foraging of a nursing female mink is likely to locate all water vole colonies and most individuals …..” 'Water Vole Conservation Handbook’: Rob Strachan: Environment Agency, Oxford University Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, English Nature.

Ferret-like in appearance with the male being larger than the females. Males are approximately 58cms in length and can weigh 870 grams. Give birth once a year to between 3 – 6 kits in dens which can be in rabbit burrows, hollow trees etc.